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Nottingham to Cardiff train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
£22.50
On Wed 28
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Nottingham to Cardiff, the fastest train takes 3h 16m with an average travel time of 3h 21m. 10 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 06:00 and the last at 10:07. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:53 Nottingham | 3h 23m, 2 change | 13:16 Cardiff Central | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
10:07 Nottingham | 3h 18m, Direct | 13:25 Cardiff Central | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Nottingham to Cardiff
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
CrossCountry combines one of the UK’s widest intercity networks with fast long-distance services linking the South West, South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland without relying on a London terminus.
Its Class 220 and 221 Voyager trains reach 125 mph, while Class 170 Turbostars cover regional routes. A Voyager fleet refurbishment is adding improved seating, lighting and Wi-Fi.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CrossCountry’s Voyager services can get busy as they progress along their routes, so choosing the right carriage can make a noticeable difference. On Class 220 and 221 trains, Coach B (on 5-car sets) or specific designated seats in Coach D (on 4-car sets) serve as the unreserved seating areas, making them worth checking if you are travelling with a flexible ticket or cannot reserve a seat."
"It is also worth checking if your service is being operated by one of the £75 million refurbished Voyager trains. The updated trains can be identified by their distinctive red livery with a white X and feature USB-A and USB-C charging ports built into the seat frames, making it easier to keep devices charged throughout a longer journey."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Cardiff
Top Things to Do:
Explore Cardiff Castle for Roman foundations and richly decorated Victorian interiors in the city centre, with some Norman features too.
Wander through Bute Park for riverside walks and one of the city’s best green spaces for miles around.
Discover Cardiff Bay and its staggering waterfront views with reminders of the city’s maritime past.
Visit the National Museum Cardiff for the best of Welsh art, natural history and free exhibitions close to the civic centre.
Browse Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades for things like independent shops and artisan cafes.
Popular Areas in Cardiff:
Merchant City, West End, Finnieston, East End, Barras, Ashton Lane, Southside, Glasgow Green
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Cardiff: Cardiff city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with the castle, arcades, market and Bute Park all very close together. If you want to see more than just the centre, Cardiff Bay is without a doubt the obvious next stop, and St Fagans is worth the extra journey for a much broader look at Welsh history. It’s free to enter and has dozens of historic buildings relocated from across Wales."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Nottingham to Cardiff
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
Apply for Great Western Railway Delay Repay
If your Great Western Railway train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15–29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 200% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Nottingham to Cardiff?
Tickets from Nottingham to Cardiff typically cost £91.45, but can be as cheap as £22.50 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Nottingham to Cardiff?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 21m, though it can be as quick as 3h 16m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Nottingham to Cardiff?
Yes, there is a direct train between Nottingham and Cardiff. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Nottingham to Cardiff?
You can typically book tickets from Nottingham to Cardiff up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Nottingham to Cardiff trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Nottingham to Cardiff are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Nottingham from Cardiff?
The distance between Nottingham and Cardiff is approximately 133 miles (213km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Nottingham to Cardiff?
There is 10 train running from Nottingham to Cardiff per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Nottingham to Cardiff?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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